PALMER – Atop “Whiskey Hill,” a 2.3-mile driver’s track known as Palmer Motorsports Park offers thrills to those with a need for speed.

For eight seasons, the park has operated as a private members club. Al Sandy, membership director and community outreach director, explained that the track is used for automobile racing. “It’s a country club for drivers,” he said.

Attracting car enthusiasts and world-famous drivers from across the United States, Finland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Brazil and more, Sandy said their “claim to fame” is that Palmer Motorsports Park has “the steepest vertical grade of any racetrack in North America.” The overall course has 509 feet of elevation change, compared to most tracks which are flat, he said. “Think of a roller coaster on a mountain top.”

The highest point of the track stands at 1,070 feet. Sandy said this peak is the third highest in Worcester County. Overlooking Mount Greylock and a portion of Connecticut, he said the views on a clear day are “spectacular.”

Observing the track from the bottom up, Sandy said, “[It looks like a] Hershey’s Kiss with a track built around it.”
When the track was being constructed, 11,000 pounds of TNT was used to blast the rock. Sandy said they calculated how to build the track into the terrain without disrupting everything. However, as the process was underway, the track configuration changed. The overall construction took two and a half years, although the planning took much longer, he said.

Surrounding the track are 14, 800-pound barriers that are designed to withstand a 210 mph impact, although Sandy said they “never see those speeds.”

He went on to say, “We will never have drag racing here,” because of the asphalt’s twisty turns. “The straight away is curved. It’s banana shaped straight,” said Sandy, which makes it “challenging.” As a result, many believe that the course is not designed for beginners. Sandy disagreed, as the club teaches beginners both in the classroom and on the track.

Similar to a regular driving course, Sandy said people must learn the rules and policies of the road. This includes what can be done on the track, what cannot be done, flag signal conditions and more.
Throughout the course, there are 16 flag stations. Sandy explained that the flags and their purpose is crucial because there is no other way of knowing if a driver needs to slow down, stop or return to the pit.

Palmer Motorsports Park teaches one class every month. Sandy said the class sizes are limited to 15 people, which fills quickly. Before going behind the wheel, the student must take a written multiple-choice test and drive with the instructor.

With a personal background in motocross, similar to automobile racing, Sandy said once you “learn how to do it, you know how to do it.” He noted that he now drives more safely on the real road, as he is able to let everything out at the track. “It’s a lot safer to do here,” he said.
Unlike driving a car, Sandy said an individual does not need to be 16 nor have a license to partake in this hobby. However, he said it is an expensive hobby.

The club has a variety of memberships that individuals can choose from. The membership costs start at $1,000. Information on memberships can be found at https://palmermsp.com/membership/.
Including Sandy, there are four full-time employees, along with several seasonals, as the park is only open from April through mid-October. All the employees are trained in first aid. Sandy said they have a Jaws of Life rescue truck that could rip apart a car, if needed.

Typically, Sandy said they try to allow no more than 40 cars on the track at once. He emphasized the safety measures that are taken at the park. Additionally, Sandy said they have strict sound requirements that people must follow. To assist with noise levels, the park recently installed sound barriers. “[We] monitor sound proficiently,” he said.

As this is a private club, spectators are not allowed. With members being the only ones with access to the park, Sandy said some will leave their cars, whereas others will bring them back and forth. He added that the park has a fleet of about 15 go-karts on site that can be driven by members.
Sandy added they are constantly making additions to the park, including recent canopies that display sponsorship. The park also recently renewed a permit for 33 condominiums. Sandy explained this was a part of the original plan and is still something they hope to do. This would allow for park visitors to live on the premises for the duration of track season.

The track is sponsored by several companies, including Dunkin’ and Sarat Ford. Sandy said several car commercials have been filmed here including Subaru, Toyota, Acura and Ford, along with insurance companies.

With all the business the track receives, Sandy shared they bring in a lot of money to the town. Working to give back to the community, Palmer Motorsports has hosted some fundraising events. Sandy told Reminder Publishing he felt that there comes a point in most people’s lives that it is time to give back. As the economy is tough for many, Sandy said it is “challenging to make ends meet.”
With hopes of attracting an audience, park employees decided to promote their “All Wheels Car Show” on Bruce Marshall’s 97.7 radio show. The car show benefits the local food banks.

Having already hosted one car show this year, Sandy said they plan to host another on Aug. 31. He explained that all the wheels at the event are not brand or model specific, but may include trailers, fire trucks and more.

To enter the park, a $5 fee or non-perishable item is collected, all of which is donated to the Palmer Foodshare and the Jubilee Cupboard of Ware. The last car show attracted over 500 people. Sandy said they raised $3,000 and filled a van full of food.

Additionally, Sandy said they host two veteran events a year. He explained that they strap the veterans into the cars and drive them around the track. The “big grin” on their faces is priceless, he said.

When hosting these large events, the park has a tent and Buster’s Food Truck, which is operated by a retired veteran, added Sandy.

In the fall, Palmer Motorsports is hosting an open house. Because they are a membership only club, Sandy said they need to obtain a permit from the town to open to the public. For every event, they must reapply for the permit.

On July 4, the seventh annual bicycle race to benefit Concerns of Police Officers (COPS) will take place at the park. Sandy said this is for families who have lost a police officer in the line of duty. To register for the race, visit www.bikereg.com.

For additional information on Palmer Motorsports Park, visit https://palmermsp.com/.